The Generous Benefits Podcast

Understanding PBMs with Alex Dampf and Bret Brummitt

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) influence a significant portion of how employers handle prescription drug costs, yet many leaders still don’t fully understand how they operate behind the scenes.
In this candid conversation, Amanda Brummitt sits down with longtime collaborators and friendly competitors Bret Brummitt and Alex Dampf to explore what PBMs are, how they make money, and the conflicts of interest that can arise. The discussion covers spread pricing, rebates, contract language, and the growing interest in transparent PBM models. It’s an honest look at what’s working, what’s not, and what employers should be paying close attention to.
Alex and Bret also explain how to assess the value of a PBM, what to look for in contract terms, and why some cost-saving strategies may not deliver real value. This episode is filled with clear examples, practical advice, and a few dad joke laughs along the way.
Topics include:
The true role of PBMs in employer health plans
Conflicts of interest in integrated PBM models
Spread pricing and rebates explained
The promise and limitations of transparent and pass-through PBMs
Key contract terms and questions employers should be asking

Exploring the True Role of Third-Party Administrators

Not all TPAs are created equal. In this candid conversation, Amanda Brummitt sits down with Matthew McCuen of Imagine360 to unpack what a third-party administrator actually does, why employers might choose one over a traditional insurance carrier, and how transparency, flexibility, and strategy make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether TPAs are just claim processors or if they can help transform your healthcare strategy, this episode clears the air and offers a practical roadmap for making better decisions.

Predatory and Parasitic Benefits Practices

In this candid and refreshingly unscripted episode, Amanda Brummitt sits down with longtime friends (and supposed competitors) Josh Butler and Bret Brummitt to talk shop and call out the worst offenders in the world of employee benefits. From predatory insurance products to opaque broker compensation, no sacred cow is safe. The trio breaks down what employers need to know about ICHRAs, PBMs, commission structures, and how to spot when a broker is prioritizing profit over people. With plenty of humor, transparency, and a few coffee-fueled tangents, this is a must-listen for any employer trying to do better by their team.